The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) is considering becoming a friend of the court should African National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma apply for a stay of prosecution in his corruption investigation later this year, the trade union body said on Thursday.
”Cosatu, together with other civil-society organisations, may apply to be amicus [curiae] on November 27 and 28 to give evidence in support of Jacob Zuma’s case that he will not be able to receive a fair trial,” general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said.
Vavi said Cosatu will consult with other bodies to drum up support for this and will include the ANC, the South African Communist Party, the ANC Youth League, the South African Council of Churches and Business Unity South Africa among bodies to be approached.
”We would like to get everybody to join in and apply,” he said.
On September 12, Judge Chris Nicholson will deliver a ruling on whether the state acted in terms of the law by proceeding with the trial against Zuma without consulting him before deciding to recharge him.
Failing this, Zuma’s legal team intends also asking the court for a permanent stay of prosecution on the November date.
Vavi said he has heard concerns about how workers may react if Zuma is ever sent to prison.
He said the union body will try to channel the anger of its members in a disciplined way should this ever happen.
The issues of a potential economic impact also weigh heavily on Cosatu’s mind.
Vavi said Cosatu’s involvement is not a campaign against the judiciary ”but in defence of the right of the individual we believe has been undermined”. — Sapa